Home > Thurso River Fishings Syndicate - Recommended Tackle and Flies

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ROD SIZE

In the past we recommended a different rod for almost every month of the year. Nowadays, with the advent of Carbon-fibre, we are quite happy to suggest that a 15 foot rod will suffice throughout the season. However, there are situations, particularly during low water conditions, when a 9 foot rod would be a better choice. These are situations when you are more or less “stalking” a fish and there is the need to be stealthy and very accurate with your cast.

LINES

Full sinking lines are the order of the day up until about mid-April. As temperatures rise above 50ºF, it is advantageous to use a sinking tip initially and shortly thereafter to move on to a full floater.

September can mean a change back to a lot of the Spring tactics, but it really does vary with the year.

FLIES (Spring)

Waddingtons and Tubes tend to be the favourite early on, with sizes ranging from 3 inches down to 1 inch.

Springtime favourites are Willie Gunn, Torrish, Fast Eddie, Thunder & Lightning, Yellow & Orange, Green Highlander, Silver Wilkinson etc.

FLIES (Summer)

Ally’s Shrimp, Hairy Mary, Stoat’s Tail, Thurso Dog, Golden Demon, Munro Killer, Macartair, General Practitioner, Templedog, Kerrie’s Killer, Red Demon, Copper King etc.

OTHER CONDITIONS

• Fishing is by fair fly only and fishing with bait, prawn, worm, spinner, spoon or any other lure is expressly forbidden. Fishing is from both banks and breast waders are not necessary.

• It is a prerequisite of fishing on the River Thurso that anglers sign and deliver GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS DECLARATION FORMS to the River Superintendent upon arrival on their first day at the River and before they commence fishing. Anglers who have not signed and delivered the Declaration will not be permitted to fish.

• Salmon Conservation – anglers are reminded that under the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Act 2001, it is illegal to sell salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line.

• Trout fishing can be arranged subject to availability and upon payment of a fee for the use of the boat.

• Ghillies – if the service of a ghillie is required, there is a charge of £60/day and this can be organised through

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